It seems one in four dog owners have found love while walking their pet - and 40 per cent say they would think twice about a potential partner if their four-legged chum didn't take kindly to them, according to a new study.

Luckily for Gemma Jones from Cardiff, her Patterdale terrier Digby was head over collar for both Andy, 31, and his Labrador-Staff cross Monty when they met on walkies in the park: Andy later became her husband and father to her two children.

Looking for love? Move to Brighton and get a dog, as new research reveals that one in four dog owners have met their beloved on a walk, and one in three on Britain's south coast

Gemma said: 'I'd seen Andy and his dog in the park a couple of times before but we'd never spoken to each other.

'However, after bumping into each other about five times, our dogs got to know each other and I felt confident letting Digby off the lead when his Labrador-Staff cross Monty was around.

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Gemma added: 'I was surprised when he asked me out for a drink as I hadn't really thought of him like that, but he seemed friendly enough and had a lovely smile so I said yes.

'We went to a local pub for our first date and got on like a house on fire. Five years later, we're the proud parents of two dogs and two children, Jake and Tabitha!'

Hey, you're cute: What better way of luring over a potential date than with a seriously adorable bundle of fun?

Andy Jones said: 'The idea of meeting a girl while walking a dog is a bit cheesy really and it’s not something I ever imagined happening.

Where to find puppy love...

The best places in Britain to find love while walking the dog:

1. Brighton

2. Bournemouth

3. Derby

4. London

5. Swansea

'But after making small talk with Gemma for a few afternoons while our dogs played I just thought why not?

'It's much nicer than meeting someone in a crowded bar or over the internet.

'The way Monty warmed to Gemma definitely played a part in me asking her out on a date.

'Monty’s approval gave me the confidence to take the plunge and ask the question.'

The study, commissioned by Pets At Home, also revealed that the best place to find romance on a dog walk is in the south-east of Britain, where an
above average one in three owners have found love through their
pooch.

But avoid the north-west where the statistic is just one in five.

City-wise, Brighton is the best place to find a puppy-loving companion, followed by fellow south coast location Bournemouth.

Happily ever after: Andy and Gemma Jones met, fell in love, married and had two children after being introduced by their dogs Digby and Monty

Woof woof: Digby, left, met Gemma and Monty, right, while out for a walk with his owner Andy

But if the beach isn't your favourite place, the next best spots for tangling leads are Derby and park-heavy London. Swansea in Wales came in fifth place.

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The research also showed that a third of all dog owners have made new friends through their pet.

Maeve Moorcroft, head of Pets at Pets at Home, said: 'Owning a
dog is a great way to make new friends, from taking your dog for a walk
in the local park, to taking them to socialisation or training classes.

'We tend to find that dog owners have a natural affinity with other dog
owners.

'Talking about your dog's quirky habits or sharing tips on pet
care can be great ice-breakers.

'It’s great to see that people are meeting their future partners thanks
to their dogs but you should always take care when introducing someone
new to your pet as some dogs can be very territorial.'

Ms Moorcroft continued: 'The top tip for bringing someone new into your home is
to take it slowly.

'f your dog is particularly territorial, make sure
that they meet the new person out of your home maybe at the local park
or wherever you take them for a walk.

'Let them get to know the person
gradually so that when they do come into your home your dog knows them
and trusts them.'